Holy Week Journey
Today launches our sacred journey through the most consequential week in human history. As Jesus descended the Mount of Olives, crowds erupted with messianic expectation, waving palm branches—symbols of Jewish nationalism—while shouting “Hosanna!” (meaning “Save us now!”). Yet these same voices would soon demand crucifixion. This paradox reveals our human tendency to worship God when He meets our expectations, but doubt when His plans diverge from ours.
“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is He, humble and mounted on a donkey.” — Zechariah 9:9 (ESV)
The Donkey’s Message
Jesus’ choice of transportation carried profound symbolism. Where conquerors rode stallions, the Prince of Peace selected a donkey—a beast of burden, signaling humility. The crowd missed this, expecting a warrior king to overthrow Rome. Instead, Jesus came to overthrow sin’s tyranny through sacrificial love.
Modern believers often make similar miscalculations. We pray for God to change our circumstances when He wants to change our hearts. The donkey reminds us that God’s power is perfected in surrender (2 Corinthians 12:9).
The Palms and Their Paradox
Palm branches symbolized victory in Jewish tradition (see 1 Maccabees 13:51). By spreading them, the crowds declared Jesus as their liberator. Yet within days, their cries turned to “Crucify Him!” (Mark 15:13-14). This chilling shift exposes:
- The fickleness of human devotion
- The danger of conflating God’s will with political agendas
- Jesus’ unwavering commitment to His mission
When God doesn’t meet our expectations, will we still worship? The palm branches of Palm Sunday challenge us to examine our motives.
Reflection Questions:
- Expectations vs. Reality: When has God’s plan differed from your desires? How did you respond?
- Costly Worship: What would it look like to praise Jesus even when His ways confuse you?
- Humble Leadership: How can Jesus’ donkey-riding humility inform your relationships or work?
Prayer:
“Lord of the Unexpected Path,
Forgive me for the times I’ve waved palm branches with conditional praise.
Align my heart with Your humble kingship.
As I journey through this Holy Week,
Break my illusions of control.
Meet me in the gaps between my expectations and Your greater story.
Amen.”
